Academic Administrative Areas

Academic Administrative Area APRs are reviews conducted on programs in the Division of Academic Affairs that support academic programs but do not offer degrees or are not driven by student outcomes. These guidelines are negotiated prior to the start of the self-study by the involved administrative unit and representatives chosen by the provost from the supervising vice provost, director and others. Recommendations by national organizations/professional bodies should be considered in developing guidelines. The schedule for Academic Administrative Area APRs is determined by the Division of Academic Affairs and the individual administrative unit, and they must be conducted on a five-year cycle.

Stages of Academic Administrative Area APR

Stage One:

The Academic Administrative Area APR Internal Self-Study committee develops a written self-study based on consultation between the Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Development and the administrative area. Recommendations by national organizations/professional bodies should be considered in developing guidelines. The self-study is submitted to the Office of the Provost through the dean after approval.

Stage Two:

The completed self-study is reviewed by representatives chosen by the Vice Provost for Academic Development. After reviewing the Internal Self-Study Report, these representatives identify specific areas to be addressed and the makeup of the external team.

Stage Three:

The external team reviews the documents provided by the university, conducts an on-site visit and submits a written External Report (ER).

Stage Four:

Within four weeks of receiving the ER, the head of the administrative area develops an action plan for integrating the results of the self-study and, if applicable, a consultation report. The plan is submitted to the director’s supervisor for review and input. When approved by the supervisor, it is submitted to the Office of the Provost.

Stage Five:

After approval by the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, the action plan must be added as an objective into the JMU-STAR Tool and reinforced in the program's annual report. Stage Five is an ongoing process, and the results should continue to be included in the annual report until the action plan is completed or other decisions are made in regard to the recommendations. Additionally, a Four-Year Interim Report must be submitted.